For the past three years Butch Shaw has been representing the towns of Pittsford and Sudbury with great distinction in the Vermont House of Representatives.

With redistricting, the town of Brandon has been added to the district. In a short period of time, Butch has made a presence and a difference in the Statehouse. He is an incredibly dedicated and hard worker who has established himself as a leader on the Institutions Committee.

His work ethic reminds me of the former chair of the Institutions Committee, Brandon Rep. Bob Woods. Bob always sought to do what was right for the people of Vermont and not let politics get in the way. He was a man of principle and common sense. Butch exhibits these same qualities, and it is fitting that if elected he will serve Bob’s former district. We need people of Butch’s quality to serve in Montpelier to face our many challenges.

This past year we faced the challenge of Irene. Our state hospital was destroyed, and we were struggling to meet the needs of mental health patients. Butch rose to the challenge and became a leader on the Institutions Committee, helping us draft and pass new legislation to radically change and improve how we deliver these needed services.

Having served on the conference committee with Butch, I saw first-hand his desire to do things right. I sincerely ask the voters in Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury to vote to return Butch to Montpelier so that he can continue his service to our great state.